OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens’ opening game against the Kansas City Chiefs is not going to make or break the season for either team.
There will be plenty of time to make adjustments and correct mistakes that surface in the game.
Nonetheless, it’s a huge rematch of last season’s AFC Championship Game won by the Chiefs, 17-10. The game will be played in front of a huge national, prime-time audience and the Ravens are determined to start the season on a positive note.
“For us, it’s the first game of the year. We’re trying to work towards a goal – and that’s to be the best team in the NFL,” Ravens tight end Mark Andrews said. “We don’t look too far into this thing. It’s our first game. It is what it is. They’re an incredible organization – and incredible team – and we have to be ready for the fight.”
The Ravens are a tight-knit group that has almost all of the key starters back in the lineup from last season, including five players — Lamar Jackson, inside linebacker Roquan Smith, safety Kyle Hamilton, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, and fullback Patrick Ricard — who were named to the 2023 Associated Press All-Pro Teams.
The Chiefs are the two-time defending Super Bowl champions and the favorites to become the first team in NFL history to win a third consecutive title.
Andrews likes the mindset of the Ravens heading into the game.
“We fly around, we work together, we’re always on the same page, and that’s been the best thing about it – is the communication, the open communication of making sure we’re all on the same page and moving towards the same goal, and I think this is probably the best year we’ve had of that,” Andrews said. “I’m excited to see us get tested, and we will get tested, and our first test is this Thursday, and, yes, I’m excited for that challenge.”
The Chiefs have won three straight games against the Ravens and lead the all-time regular-season series, 7-5. The teams have split their two postseason meetings.
“It’s a little bit of everything. When you look back at things, you kind of have to look back to go forward,” Andrews said. “For me, it’s also [about] being in the now. I’m an extremely driven person, I’ve always wanted to win, [I’ve always been] focused – all that stuff – but knowing your past is always a good thing, and you can use that as fuel.”